Bendigo is a vibrant contemporary regional centre, boasting beautiful streets created from one of the world’s greatest gold rushes. Every visit will reveal new surprises and experiences.
Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.
Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.
Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.
One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.
Bendigo Venues and Events nurtures, develops, presents and celebrates performing arts and culture for Bendigo and central Victorian communities.
Summer is here and Greater Bendigo is overflowing with thirst quenching ways to beat the heat, from crisp local wines and handcrafted beers to inventive cocktails and chilled coffee creations. Picture yourself swirling a sparkling Shiraz at a sunlit Heathcote cellar door, raising a vibrant cocktail in a stylish bar or cooling down with something fresh and fruity as you explore Bendigo’s buzzing streets. Whether you’re discovering boutique wineries, relaxing by the river or chasing a cold refreshment, this guide is your ticket to our kind of summer, refreshing, vibrant and full of flavour.
Located on bustling Pall Mall, The Social is where Bendigo’s vibrant energy meets a stylish drinking experience. With over 250 premium spirits, creative cocktails and a curated list of local wines, this modern bar and eating house is perfect for summer catch ups. Sip a refreshing spritz or a bold signature cocktail while enjoying alfresco seating and people-watching in the city’s lively center.
Our drink of choice, a Hazelnut Espresso Martini.
Terrae brings a fresh, modern approach to dining and drinking in Bendigo, with a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Their cocktail list is as creative as their menu, featuring seasonal flavours and house made infusions that make every sip unique. Think bright, refreshing drinks perfect for summer afternoons, paired with dishes that celebrate regional produce.
Our drink of choice, one of their seasonal cocktails with house-made infusions.
Awaken is all about drinks that make you feel good and taste even better. Their menu features cold-pressed juices, colourful smoothies and iced lattes that are perfect for warm Bendigo days. With creative blends and organic iced teas, every sip is a burst of freshness. With its bright, modern space and welcoming vibe, Awaken becomes your go-to spot for cooling off in style.
Our drink of choice, the Banana and Berry Smoothie.
Alcohol by Victoria is all about celebrating the craft of Victorian distillers. This intimate spirit and wine store offers a curated selection of small-batch spirits, from gin and whisky to unique liqueurs, alongside bespoke cocktails that showcase local flavours. One of their standout features is their regular tasting nights, where you can sample and learn about premium spirits in a relaxed, welcoming setting. It’s the perfect spot for those who love discovering something new and savouring drinks with a story.
Our drink of choice, a Limoncello Spritz.
Old Green Bean is a Bendigo favourite for coffee lovers and when the weather heats up, they’ve got you covered with ice-cold options too! From expertly brewed iced lattes to refreshing smoothies and juices, every drink is made with care and quality ingredients. Pair your chilled beverage with their wholesome menu and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes this cafe a local institution.
Our drink of choice, a Malt Milkshake.
Set right on the banks of the Loddon River, Bridgewater Hotel is a striking Art Deco landmark, offering a stylish slice of history in the heart of the countryside. Its bold lines and heritage character make it a standout but the real magic happens outside in the beer garden. Here you can take in sweeping views of the river while enjoying icy beers, crisp local wines, or a classic cocktail. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed summer session with scenery that’s hard to beat.
Our drink of choice, an iced cold beer on tap.
Bendigo Brewing Co. is all about brewing beer the Bendigo way with traditional techniques, local ingredients and plenty of passion. Their taproom on Farmer Lane serves a rotating selection of handcrafted beers, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, each inspired by the region’s stories and flavours. Pair your pint with wood fired pizza for the ultimate laid back summer experience.
Our drink of choice, a Green Cube Hazy IPA.
Hoo-Gah is the place to go for vibrant, feel good drinks that taste like summer in a glass. Known for its fresh juices and smoothies with a wholesome twist, this café also serves up iced coffee and tea for those who need a cool caffeine hit. Every drink is crafted with quality ingredients and a splash of creativity, making it the perfect stop for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Our drink of choice, a Green Smoothie.
Perched high in the Heathcote wine region, Peregrine Ridge Winery is as much about the scenery as it is about the wine. With sweeping views across rolling vineyards and rugged landscapes, this boutique winery offers a truly memorable backdrop for summer sipping. Their sparkling selections are the perfect choice while soaking up the summer landscape.
Our drink of choice, a Non-Vintage Sparkling Shiraz.
When the Bendigo heat kicks in, Peachy is your go-to for iced coffee perfection. This hole-in-the-wall cafe keeps it simple but stylish, serving chilled coffee creations that hit the spot. With just a few seats inside, it’s mostly a grab-and-go kind of place that's ideal for cooling down as you wander the city. If you love your coffee cold and crafted with care, Peachy makes summer sipping easy.
Our drink of choice, a Cold Brew.
Hidden beneath the historic MacKenzie Quarters, Ms Batterhams is Bendigo’s go-to for cocktails that are as stylish as the setting. This sophisticated yet relaxed lounge bar pairs locally inspired drinks with a southern European menu, making it ideal for warm nights. Whether you’re winding down after exploring the arts precinct or meeting friends for a night out, Ms Batterhams delivers elegance with a twist.
Our drink of choice, The Winifred.
Step inside Madame Jude and you’ll find drinks with personality. Their menu is a summer dream of icy frappes blended to perfection, creamy shakes that feel like dessert in a glass, crisp cold wines for those who love a little sophistication and chilled soft drinks for easy sipping. Whether you’re craving something sweet, something bold or just something refreshingly simple, it’s the kind of place where you can cool down in style. Pair your drink with one of their famous burgers or decadent desserts, and you’ve got the ultimate Bendigo treat.
Our drink of choice, an Iced Americano.
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The City of Greater Bendigo acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands across Bendigo.
We acknowledge and pay respect to their Elders past present and emerging.
